Understanding Group Dynamics: Social Work With Groups

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The video under analysis depicts the group that has come across an unexpected event. According to Toseland and Rivas (2017), communication is verbal, non-verbal, and synchronous in the group. Outside noises do not result in any barriers to communication. Pam is aggressive and uses insulting language toward Philip, while the other members express respect toward the two persons (Psychotherapy.net, 2011). It seems that group cohesion is at a decent level because member-to-member attraction and the sense of community are generally present (Toseland & Rivas, 2017). For example, Tony expresses that being a part of the group should mean something to Philip, while the other members reveal their connection to Philip and Pam. Social integration is not ideal because Rebecca tries to silence Bonnie, while Pam and Philip have a direct confrontation. Furthermore, there is no evidence to claim that the group deals with strong social influences. However, it is possible to say that the group culture is at a decent level because the conflict did not lead to direct offenses, irrespective of Pam’s “Insect,” and the group members did not interrupt one another.

It is possible to mention that this group dynamics can affect treatment differently. On the one hand, overt dynamics demonstrate that group members support and respect one another. On the other hand, both overt and covert processes reveal adverse influences, including the conflict between Pam and Philip and some tension between Rebecca and Bonnie. Consequently, a social worker should ensure that positive effects are maximized.

The second video represents the family dynamics that will be analyzed below. It is possible to mention that the family under consideration has compromised communication because poor contact is between Michelle and her parents, David and Kathleen (Psychotherapy.net, 2006). It seems that the participants do not understand what they are saying to one another. Family cohesion is also adversely affected because Michelle does not have any member-to-member attraction or a sense of unity with the parents, but cohesion between David and Kathleen can be found. According to Drumm (2006), a group should foster an understanding that a person is not alone, but Michelle does not have such a feeling in her family. Hierarchy is found in the family because Michelle listens to her parents, which made her come to the session (Psychotherapy.net, 2006). It is impossible to state that the family is under social influence because the video does not have any information regarding this issue. Group culture is also not excellent because it seems that Michelle and her parents have different values because the adults entirely focus on her two-year-old baby.

It is possible to state that this family dynamics can adversely affect any treatment interventions. The rationale behind this statement refers to the fact that there is a compromised contact among the family members, meaning that they cannot participate in productive activities. This information demonstrates that the family dynamics should be improved to enhance relationships between individual members so that any positive processes impact the Rogers before treatment begins.

It is possible to conclude that assessing dynamics in a group and a family has many similarities. The process is identical because it is necessary to witness the interaction and analyze it against four criteria. The dynamics can positively or negatively impact treatment effectiveness and implementation. If the specific group and family are under consideration, it has been found that the group dynamics have a controversial impact on treatment, implying both positive and negative influences. However, the analysis of the Rogers family demonstrated that compromised processes adversely impacted potential treatment options that could be offered to the participants. Consequently, social workers should do their best to improve group dynamics.

References

Drumm, K. (2006). The essential power of group work. Social Work with Groups, 29(2-3), 17-31. Web.

Psychotherapy.net (Producer). (2006). The legacy of unresolved loss: A family systems approach [Video file]. Web.

Psychotherapy.net (Producer). (2011). Group therapy: A live demonstration. [Video file]. Web.

Toseland, R. W., & Rivas, R. F. (2017). An introduction to group work practice (8^th ed.). Pearson.

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